Kochi getting ready for Natural Gas distribution

KOCHI, 08th September 2012 :The first phase of the
RegasifiedLiquified Natural Gas (RLNG) distribution network,
the dream project of Kochi, is ready for inauguration. The 43 km
pipeline network built by GAIL India Ltd from PetronetRLNG’s
5 million metric tonne LNG Terminal, which is expected to be
commissioned by December, to the main industrial centresin the
city would be dedicated on Monday, September 10.

The important role that Natural Gas plays in any growing
economy has not yet been fully appreciated. Moreover, there
are many misgivings among the people about its transportation
through pipelines. So as to avoid incidents like the recent tanker
lorry explosion at Chala, Kannur that killed several people,
pipeline gas distribution project of GAIL stands up as a solution.
The gas pipeline network project stresses on the safety aspect
involved in the transportation of such fuels.

The laying of the pipeline from Puthuvypin to Udyogamandal and
from Udyogamandal to Ambalamugal has now been completed.
Companies like FACT, BSES, TCC, Nitta Gelattin, HOCL, BPCL
etc can now receive RLNG distributed through pipelines and use
it to reduce costs, becoming environment friendly.

In the next phase the gas distribution project can cover
households in the city. Cooking gas can be given easily to
homes like we distribute electricity and water. The project
ensure the supply of cooking gas to the people throughout

year without any disruption. The government would also be able
to save a major part of the subsidy that they give out on LPG
cooking gas and utilize it for other productive purposes.

GAIL has laid 30 inch pipeline from Puthuvypin to Udyogamandal.
From Udyogamandal to Ambalamugal it has laid 18 inch pipeline.
GAIL could successfully acquire land from the public to lay
the pipeline for about 6 kms in the first phase. The remaining
land in the 43 km stretch has been made available by different
institutions or companies like the Cochin Port Trust, International
Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT), the Indian Navy, the
Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), Co-Operative Medical
College Kalamassery, HMT, FACT, CCK-ROU, Kalamassery
Municipality, Kinfra, Cochin Corporation and Smart City. All these
institutions agreed to the projects implementation after they were
convinced about the safety of the project.

Gas pipelines are generally laid in underground. A minimum
soil cover of 1 meter from the top of pipeline is ensured. While
crossing waterbodies like the rivers and lakes in and around
Kochi, the pipelines are placed at 3 to 20 metre depth from the
lowest point of the river bed. The agricultural land where the
pipelines are laid can be used again for farming.

ROUis usually acquired in 30 meters width for laying the pipeline.
But in Kerala, this has been reduced to 20 meters.

GAIL will acquire only the right to use of the land for the project.
The land owner will retain his ownership rights and can sell or
retain the land at his own will. While acquiring the right to use the
land, GAIL will pay as per the P&MP Act.

Natural Gas has several benefits when compared to LPG. It
is safer. In case of a leak, LPG being heavier than air, it will
stagnate in low lying areas. On the other hand, Natural Gasbeing
lighter than air, itwill disperse into the atmosphere in case of a
leak. This will reduce the chances of an explosion substantially.

The work on the 505 km pipeline from Kochi to Mangalore will
start soon. When this is completed 7 districts from Ernakulam
to Kasargod will benefit from the project. GAIL will start 26 SV
station (in 50 cent each) and 5 IP station (in 1.25 acre each).
This trunk Pipeline will facilitate the city gas distribution in Kochi,
Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur etc.

If the vehicles in our state start using natural gas, pollution would
greatly be reduced. In many cities in the country like Delhi/
Mumbai/Indore/Ahmedabad the use of natural gas in vehicles has
been made very successful.

RLNG will be made available to NTPC project at Kayamkulam
through pipelines that shall be laid along the seabed. The
agreement with KSEB on this will be signed soon. Brahmapuram,
Cheemeni projects can also look forward to using RLNG as fuel.

The project will lead to major economic growth of the state by
creating new jobs and generating revenues to the tune of Rs 1000
crore to the state exchequer. The state of Gujarat is earning Rs
3000 Crores per annum as Cenvat from its Dahej LNG terminal.
It will also avoid accidents like cylinder blasts and tanker lorry
explosions.

Natural Gas is the fuel of tomorrow. Kochi is becoming a
model for the rest of the state to follow. When the first phase is
inaugurated the people of Kochi will participate in yet another

development initiative of the state. It is a green energy backbone
for the state.